Perseverance

We provide articles
from our publications from previous years for reference for our Leaders and
members. Readers are cautioned to remember that research and medical information
change over time

I had a stressful breastfeeding
experience with our first son, Ray, now six. He was a small infant with
severe health problems and I experienced unexplained nipple pain throughout
the year I nursed him. I hoped my experience with our new baby, now
18 months, would be much better, since anything would be an improvement!

Kevin nursed almost immediately
after birth and has desired nursing ever since. Unfortunately, I still
have the mysterious pain. Midwives, lactation consultants, our family
doctor, and La Leche League Leaders have ruled out thrush and positioning
errors. I have tried everything from magnets to tea leaves to various
medications; still the pain comes and goes, mainly on one side. I persist
with nursing because Kevin has eczema and allergies and I feel human
milk is very important for him because of the health benefits. I began
pumping early so he can also have my milk in a cup now that he's older.

Since there are always more
creams, herbs, salves, poultices, lotions, and other treatments to try,
I will persevere until Kevin naturally weans. Sometimes I feel caught
between a rock and several hard places. The pain places me under stress
yet Kevin benefits from nursing and I don't want to wean until he is
ready. Although I know the breastfeeding relationship is supposed to
be mutually pleasurable, this is not pleasurable for me. However, I
am determined not to quit if there are still treatments to try.

I am getting by and grateful
to still be nursing. I am hoping my tenacity will pay off and I will
find an antidote for the discomfort before Kevin weans so we can both
enjoy nursing.